If your basement floods, here are some steps you can take:
-
Put safety first: Before entering the flooded basement, make sure to turn off the circuit breakers to your basement or contact an electrician to help you assess whether it’s safe to enter the basement for water removal or not. Any electronics that are in contact with floodwater are unsafe.
-
Document the damage: Throughout the entire process, including the removal of water, and afterwards, document the process of the flooding and damage through photos so that you are able to submit them to your insurance company.
-
Move important items to a dry area: Once it is safe to enter the basement, remove important items, upholstered furniture, or items in boxes that are standing in water and bring them to a dry area.
-
Remove the water: Industrial tool rental groups will usually have pumps and hoses suitable for basement flooding repair. Once you’ve got the majority of the water out, you’ll need to understand how the basement flood happened.
-
Dry the area: Give the basement several days of drying time before taking on any major basement flooding repair. Open windows and doors to get as much ventilation as possible. If your furnace or air conditioner is safe to use, turn it on to assist in drying. Also use fans.
-
Call your insurance company: If you have a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), file a claim or contact your insurance company once you notice the flooding damage and after everyone is safe.
Its important to remember that electrocution is always a danger in a flooded basement, so wait until the water recedes before you begin cleanup. Since flood water may be contaminated with sewage, wear rubber boots and gloves to minimize skin contact. Do not smoke, eat or touch your face while in a flooded area. If you receive an open wound while working in a flooded area, seek medical attention immediately.
